I was asked to comment on the importance of the role of teachers in the lives of their students. The following are responses to a series of interview-style questions answered by one of my former students, Sarah Anne Wolkowski, whom I taught from the age of 12 until she left for college. It was during that transition that our relationship evolved, as she became more of a mentee and I, her mentor. Sarah has crafted a career as an influential saxophonist, teacher and writer.
It’s Spring and the birds are making their nests and the cacti flowers are just about to bloom! It’s a time of beginnings, of getting things refreshed and in order. If you’re getting your Spring cleaning game on, make sure to include this basic “Clarinet Spring Cleaning Checklist” that’s filled with simple, quick and refreshing upkeep to-do’s that will make things feel nicer for you and your clarinet this Spring.
Opera can feel like a mysterious world, full of florid gestures, foreign languages, and soaring voices that seem to defy human limits and it’s not hard to see why some people might be a bit intimidated by it at first glance. Despite its grandness, we can distill the idea of opera down to the simple definition of “storytelling through music”. Every note, every phrase, and every dramatic pause works together to advance the plot on the stage.
At Lessonface, we believe that music is meant to be shared. That's why we host regular recitals and open mic nights for our community—creating spaces where students and teachers can perform, connect, and grow together. Whether you're just starting or have been playing for decades, these events offer valuable opportunities to showcase your progress and enjoy the talents of fellow musicians.
Maymester: A Month of Music, Arts and Language Group Classes at Lessonface
As the final days of Spring approach, and summer is on the horizon, Lessonface presents a new program for learners to engage in immersive courses in music, language and the arts: Maymester! This month-long program is designed to offer group classes in all three disciplines, providing a creative, fun, and enriching environment for students.
With his trademark blend of technical brilliance, creative improvisations and high-octane showpersonship, this award-winning tabla virtuoso’s performances instantly connect with, and captivate audiences worldwide. Hailed by many as “the rightful heir to the Punjab Gharana”, [HT Mint, Dec, 2012] Aditya’s colossal repertoire, and his signature style of bold execution of syllables and pinpoint-precise rhythm, are founded in rigorous study and knowledge.
The Importance of Mistake-Making in the Language Learning Process
When it comes to learning a new language, there’s one piece of advice I always share with my students: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are not the enemy of progress; they are the stepping stones that lead you to fluency. Whether you’re learning French, Russian, or any other language, embracing errors as part of the journey can unlock your full potential as a language learner.
If you've ever wondered about the difference between a fiddle and a violin, you're not alone! The answer depends on who you ask—and when we sat down with Lessonface instructor Susan Holloway, she said “When you buy, it's a fiddle, and when you sell, it's a violin.”
We’d like to introduce you to one of our top Fiber Arts teachers, Laura Berlage. Laura is a storied practitioner within her local fiber-shed. She weaves together local stories, antique ballads, and homespun techniques to create a truly folky online class experience. She teaches for many folk schools and fiber arts organizations, helping to support her family’s fiber and dairy farm in Wisconsin.
Cold temperatures mean taking a few simple preventative measures to ensure your clarinet remains in good shape. This care is a MUST for wooden clarinets! If you’re playing on a plastic clarinet it’s still worth putting Tips #2 and #3 that are listed below into practice. Why? Well, for starters these care tips will help keep your clarinet in good shape regardless of what it’s made out of. You’ll also be building good habits if you’re currently playing a plastic clarinet but planning to one day switch over to a wooden clarinet.
